With 27g of protein, 14g of fibre and no protein powder, this high protein green smoothie is a powerhouse of a drink. Great for breakfast on the go or for post workout. It has been one of my most popular and highly rated smoothie recipes.

The recipe makes one large serving, however, if this is too much, you can always divide into two portions.

It’s a great, healthy option if you don’t use protein powders. Don’t get me wrong – I do use protein powders myself. I just like to vary things up and not have to rely on the same nutrients every day.

It’s delicious as a breakfast on its own or you can also have with a breakfast bar or cookie.

How much protein do we actually need?

If you have come to this green smoothie recipe because you are looking to up your protein levels, you might be wondering how much protein you actually need.

This is a question I get asked a lot, and yes it can be confusing!

To make things easier, I’ve put a Nutritionist’s Guide to Plant Protein, which will hopefully help you understand where to get your protein from, why you need it and how much you actually need to eat.

Are green smoothies easy to make?

One of the best things about this healthy green smoothie recipe is how easy it is to make, particularly if you are short on time in the mornings.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a nutritious and energising breakfast in minutes. Plus, it’s loaded with fruits, greens, and plant-based protein, meaning you get a nutrient-dense meal or snack that will keep you full and fuelled for hours.

All you need is a good blender and it will only take a minute to make.

And as healthy green smoothie recipes go – this one is one of my favourites!

Which milk to use for high protein smoothies

If you drink dairy, then go for an organic dairy milk as it’s naturally high in protein.

For those of you that don’t eat dairy. Soy milk is a good choice as it’s an excellent source of plant-based protein. In fact, it is the most similar nutritionally to dairy milk. I know some people avoid soy products as the soy crops can be heavily sprayed with pesticides. As long as you look for an organic non-GMO brand, this will make sure you avoid that.

What ingredients go in a green smoothie?

• Milk (dairy or soy milk)
• Shelled hemp seeds
• Chia seeds 
• Banana 
• Frozen pineapple 
• Spinach or kale

Why are green smoothies good for you?

It’s really the combination of ingredients that make a green smoothie nutritious. I’ve listed the ingredients below so you can see why each one is good for you:

Dairy or Organic Soy Milk

Soy milk is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Packed with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Try and buy an organic one with minimal fillers and artificial sweeteners. If preferred, use organic dairy milk.

Banana

Bananas are the perfect base for smoothies, giving a natural sweetness and creamy texture. They are rich in potassium, and they provide vitamin C and B6 too. The fibre content in bananas helps with your digestive health, making them a great ingredient to add.

Shelled Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are a protein powerhouse, with around 6 grams of protein per 2-tablespoons. They are also rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for brain function, skin health, and inflammation regulation. Hemp seeds are also a great source of magnesium and iron. Hemp is a complete protein, providing all 9 essential amino acids.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds may be small, but they pack a huge nutritional punch. With around 4 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons, they are a great source of plant-based protein. A bit less than hemp seeds but still amazing. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants. Unlike hemp, chia seeds will swell up and make the smoothie really thick and creamy. This can help you feel fuller for longer due to this high fibre content. 

Frozen Pineapple

Pineapple adds a nice bit of sweetness to the flavour of the smoothie. I always like to have pineapple in the freezer for smoothies. It’s a good source of vitamin C, which is important for your immunity as well as collagen production. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps digestion so is a great addition to this drink.

Spinach 

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy greens packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of iron, vitamin K, and folate and is a powerful antioxidant. It also adds fibre to your smoothie, supporting healthy digestion and helping you stay full. You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this smoothie.

Storage and Shelf Life

This high protein green smoothie can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making it a great option to prepare the night before a busy day.

To preserve the nutrients, I prefer to prepare and eat the same day but if you are pushed for time, making the night before this is a good option.

If you want to keep the smoothie for longer (or have any left over), you can freeze it and thaw it overnight, in the fridge, before consuming.

Recipe Tips

Milk: You can swap any other milk for the soy or dairy milk – however, this will change the nutritional profile of the smoothie. 

Freeze your banana: For an even creamier smoothie, peel and freeze your banana ahead of time.

Swaps for banana: If you don’t like bananas, you can add some dates for a bit of sweetness. Otherwise, avocado is a good swap if you want the creaminess but a smoothie that isn’t as sweet.

High powered-blender: If you want a really smooth smoothie – you’ll need quite a high-powered blender. Also make sure you blend for a good minute before drinking.

Soak chia seeds beforehand: If you want a smoother texture and your blender isn’t very strong, you can soak the chia seeds in the soya milk for 5-10 minutes before blending. This will allow the seeds to absorb liquid and soften.

Add a natural sweetener: If you prefer your smoothies a bit sweeter, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a pitted date. 

Customise your greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to swap it out for other leafy greens like Swiss chard or kale. You can also vary the amount based on your taste preference—start with a handful and adjust as needed.

If you enjoyed this smoothie, why not try:

High Protein Snickers Smoothie

Matcha Chia Puddings

Oat Free Granola

Raspberry & Peach Baked Oats

No Egg Mini Fritattas